Group Fighting Proposed Richmond Soda Tax Files Lawsuit

RICHMOND (CBS/AP) — A group funded by the beverage industry has sued to avoid campaign-disclosure laws as it fights a proposed soda tax in Richmond.

The suit was filed in San Francisco on Aug. 30. It seeks an order barring the city of Richmond from imposing its campaign law on the Community Coalition Against Beverage Taxes.

KCBS’ Jeffrey Schaub Reports:

The federal lawsuit claims a city law requiring campaign mailers to include the identities of major contributors violates free-speech rights.

The coalition is funded mostly by the American Beverage Association.

The coalition opposes a penny-per-ounce soda tax on Richmond’s November ballot. If the measure’s approved, Richmond would become the first city in the nation to tax soda and other sugary beverages to help fight childhood obesity.

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